West Nile virus found in Yakima mosquitoes

YAKIMA, Wash. — West Nile virus has turned up in two samples of mosquitoes collected in Yakima County. The state Health Department says the virus turned up almost a month earlier than in previous years. The virus is spread by mosquito bites, so people are advised to wear insect repellant outdoors and remove standing water where mosquitoes breed. The department says most people bitten by a mosquito with the virus won’t become ill, but some develop a temporary headache and fever. For some people West Nile virus can be serious or fatal.